Ortakoy, Istanbul

An artsy neighborhood under the first Bosporus bridge, Ortakoy offers trendy boutiques, seaside nightclubs, cafes, restaurants, and many historical monuments. This small fishing village literally "in the middle" of the European Bosporus became a cosmopolitan area during the reign of the Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The communities of Turks, Greeks, Armenians, and Jews all left their mark on the neighborhood, which features historical baths, palaces, mansions, mosques, a church, and a synagogue. Stop for refreshment at one of the tea terraces overlooking the strait. Do not miss the Ortaköy Mosque, a late example of Istanbul's imperial mosques, and the Çırağan Palace, which houses one of the most luxurious hotels in the city. For travelers who use our custom trip planner, Istanbul holidays become easier to arrange, with trips to the Ortakoy and other attractions mapped out and timetabled.